When I picked up a brand new motorcycle in 2016, I rode it bone stock before making changes a while. Does anyone else do that?

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Wed, 30 May 2018 21:38:46 -0400

I wanted to ride it the way the engineers put it together originally, before I started making the small incremental changes that will make it recognizable as mine. When you get a new or new to you motorcycle, how long do most wait before changing something out to suit them? I designed and helped a local shop create a much taller sissy bar over the last 6 weeks to accommodate a bigger tent for Laconia, and still let me have full use of my mirrors. It was good fun, and now I'm thinking about other changes.

Response by PO2 Kevin Parker made May 30 at 2018 10:49 PM

PO2 Kevin Parker — Wed, 30 May 2018 22:49:06 -0400

Bike before the one I have now, I bought it in Louisiana and live in Missouri. Was a new to me 2008 1200 Sportster Custom. After that 630 mile ride back, I realized that a Sportster was not a long distance kind of bike. As soon as I could afford it, I changed the shocks to an aftermarket brand, changed the Windshield to a Memphis shield and adjusted the Highway bars. So not any real cosmetic type of changes. I was always searching for a taller sissybar for it through all the sites, but never found one that would work for me. Thought about having one made. Two dogs totaled that bike and then a long recovery for myself and my wife. Got a new to me 2009 Electra Glide Ultra Classic in February. So far all I've done on it is have a lowering kit installed.

Response by SSG Tom Pike made May 31 at 2018 9:23 AM

SSG Tom Pike — Thu, 31 May 2018 09:23:15 -0400

I think you have to ride it a while to know what you really want to change and what needs improvement, what doesn't meet your needs or aesthetics.

Response by TSgt David L. made May 31 at 2018 10:08 AM

TSgt David L. — Thu, 31 May 2018 10:08:42 -0400

I've never left a vehicle or bike stock. I can't stand having something that looks like everyone else's.
Yours looks good. I like the study bar. Nicely done.
That's a picture of my Softail. I have 5 bikes but that's my baby!

Response by TSgt David L. made May 31 at 2018 10:10 AM

TSgt David L. — Thu, 31 May 2018 10:10:09 -0400

Sissy bar. I'm on my phone and can't edit my other post.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 2:18 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 May 2018 14:18:53 -0400

Like you, I ride it for awhile to see how it fits me, then start looking for changes to fit the way I ride/fit on the bike.

Response by PO1 Woody W. made Jun 2 at 2018 9:28 AM

PO1 Woody W. — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 09:28:44 -0400

I’m at that age in my life where when I make changes to my 07 Star Midnight Silverado, it’s a practical comfort and/or performance mod. I don’t care how good or kewl it looks.... it it doesn’t make me comfortable... it’s not happening for me.

Good example... a riding shipmate of mine installed a Hypercharger air filter on his Roadstars. Look awesome & kewl... however he stated it made placement of his leg on the floorboard cramp his leg up only after 10 mins. Of riding. He’s keeping it on his ride cuz of the “kewl factor.” Not me brother! Last Saturday<Memorial Day weekend> I rode up to our Nation’s Capital from Virginia Beach and returned the same day.... 429 miles & 10 hrs total saddle time <transist + DC Beltway ride time>. If I wasn’t comfortable, I’d of never made 10 miles of that run. I’ve turned 78.5K miles since new in 11/07. It’s definitely not stock or stock looking, however I wouldn’t place in any kinda bike show either. It is “my own,” no doubt about that.